How to Turn Public Relations Jobs Into a Thriving Career

Are you sitting in a windowless office all day, writing press release after press release and wondering when your public relations career is really going to take off?

If so, you’re not alone. The global PR agency industry is actively growing and valued at more than $13.5 billion. That means a lot of people are on the same ladder you’re trying to climb.

The good news? Public relations jobs might be challenging to crack into, but once you’ve got your foot in the door, you’re often on the fast track toward new opportunities. The key is to learn the right skills, meet the right people, and showcase the right projects to get you noticed.

Today, we’re discussing how you can turn any PR position into the long-term career you’ve always dreamed about.

Ready to get started? Let’s learn more.

1. Network the New Way

In the past, PR professionals would rely on in-person networking events, like happy hour meetups and roundtable meet-and-greets, to get their name out there. While those events are still around, experts reveal they’re waning in efficiency.

Instead of waiting until a conference rolls around your area, take your personality online! Social media is a great place to advocate for your brand, establish your thought leadership, and share a fantastic project you just finished.

There’s a reason that setting up a profile is one of the top network marketing tips around. The exposure you gain and the audience you reach are second-to-none.

You’ll also be mere clicks away from some of the most influential people in your field. Experts who you may never meet in person can now view your profile instantly online, upping your potential to connect.

The Strategy of Social Media

At their core, public relations jobs center on expression and communication. Social media allows you to fulfill both, though the key is to leverage it strategically.

Think about where your influencers and inspirations are hanging out, and make it a point to go there. Do you want to be the next Frank Shaw from Microsoft? Focus on professional, tech-savvy platforms like LinkedIn to grow your network.

Or, are you more interested in the celebrity PR world? If so, entertainment-rich platforms like Facebook and Instagram are your best bets. Stick to the niche you want to grow into, and use social media to attract new followers and connect with new colleagues.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small

Chances are low that you’ll graduate with a degree in advertising or PR and immediately have a slew of high-paying public relations jobs to choose from.

Rather, even with your degree under your belt, you may find yourself starting in an entry-level position or even an internship at the very beginning. Though that might not sound appealing, if it’s in the industry and especially at the company of your dreams, stick with it.

The glory of such a position is that it’s often chock-full of opportunities for you to fill your portfolio. Save all of your best work, from your press releases to your magazine and newspaper articles, to use for later. Future employers will want to see them and hear about all you’ve learned during your tenure.

Even if your current job isn’t the powerful and lucrative one you want, it’s likely a very solid stepping stone in the right direction.

3. Join a Professional Society

Through your membership, you can network with other like-minded career folks, learn about industry news and updates, and even attend events and conferences to further hone your craft.

Another bonus? Active participation in societies such as these looks great when you’re preparing a resume. Employers want to see that you’ve taken steps to learn as much as possible about the industry, and working on professional development in this way speaks volumes.

4. Become Industry Certified

In addition to joining a professional society, consider striving toward a public relations-specific certification while you’re at it. There are two designations you can go for.

Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

Awarded by the Universal Accreditation Board, this designation is reserved for persons who have five years of experience or more working in public relations jobs. You’ll also need to have your bachelor’s degree in communications or a similar major.

A computerized test will determine your aptitude, and upon passing, you can add those three special letters to your resume!

Accredited Business Communicator (ABC)

This designation is awarded by the International Association of Business Communicators. The requirements aren’t quite as rigid as those for APR, and any professional in the business communication industry is eligible to apply.

The one caveat? You’ll need to have nine years of experience in the industry before you can apply, though this can be a combination of coursework and work hours. It requires both a written and an oral-based test to pass.

5. Attend Management Training

One of the quickest ways to move up in public relations jobs is to express interest in management. If you’re willing to attend the training and put in the extra effort, PR management can be a fulfilling and fast-paced career.

If your office offers in-house management training, sign up to attend. Do the same if it’s offered remotely or via continuing education. The key is to show your business leaders that you’re serious about moving up and making the leap.

The PRSA routinely holds online conferences centered on leadership and management in the PR sphere. Register to attend and listen in as experts reveal how to succeed and stand out in this competitive space.

Landing the Public Relations Jobs You Want

When you’re ready to make the move into a full-time PR career, the options and opportunities are seemingly endless. Almost every company across every industry has some kind of marketing or public relations professional at the helm of communications.

To succeed and stand out, you’ll need to grow your community, gain experience, and align yourself with some of the top accrediting bodies in the industry. Doing so will reveal your motivation and drive — and get you noticed in the very best way.

For more information on how to navigate all of life’s challenges, from careers to cars, be sure to check out our blog!